This stunning dream house, designed by MaMo Architects, draws inspiration from existing stone structures in Pennsylvania, where three stone structures merge with modern glass connectors. Stone, clapboard, and charred wood dominate the palette, whose design was inspired by the colors found in a Spotted Winged Blackbird nest, a native species to the site.
With a welcoming entry courtyard, the new structure feels like it was built over time. The building’s entry is layered with windbreaks, clapboard, and views to the meadow that the building opens its wings to.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT MaMo Architects CONTRACTOR Spire Builders LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Donald Pell Gardens WINDOWS Loewen Windows and Doors STONE Rolling Rock Building Stone
The homeowners had long envisioned creating a home for their family that would endure across generations and remain deeply connected to the landscape. Inspired by their frequent visits to Chanticleer Gardens, they sought to infuse a whimsical feel into their home, drawing from the colors and textures of the nearby meadow.
The design was also influenced by the owners’ diverse backgrounds, blending their personal histories to create a “Warm-Modern” aesthetic, with architecture that provides clean, consistent spaces while enabling the color and texture of their lives to breathe soul into the home.
From the onset, this project was highly collaborative. Engineers ensured the steel structure supported the two stone masses without disrupting the open floor plan. Loewen Windows contributed a two-story curtain wall that required extensive pre-planning, and Donald Pell Gardens integrated a vibrant multi-season garden with the hardscape design.
A modern touch was added with a floating steel and wood stair, while organic textures in the millwork ensured that the design was both functional and visually consistent with the homeowners’ goals.
Sustainable Design
The sustainability of the home was a major focus during the design phase. Key eco-friendly features included a geothermal well system for regulating heating and cooling, radiant floor heating, and triple-pane windows to minimize heat loss.
The rain-screen facade and continuous exterior insulation contributed to improved energy efficiency, while motorized shades and passive venting systems allowed for natural light control and ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. These sustainable design elements were integrated seamlessly into the overall structure, balancing modern technology with the natural surroundings and ensuring long-term energy efficiency.
Challenges & Innovative Solutions
The unique architecture, including two stone buildings connected by a glass curtain wall, presented engineering and construction challenges, particularly in maintaining structural integrity while allowing for large, open spaces. Engineers used steel to support the stone facades without compromising the design.
The installation of the two-story curtain wall also required extensive pre-planning to ensure seamless execution. The floating steel and wood staircase introduced additional complexity, but it ultimately became a central feature that tied the home’s modern and traditional elements together. Despite these challenges, innovative solutions allowed the project to meet its goals while preserving the home’s intended character.
Above: The entry foyer blends interior and exterior with stone and glass, connecting to the meadows. The ceiling material was sourced from reSAWN TIMBER co. The metalwork on the staircase is by Bill Curran Design.
What We Love: This home draws inspiration from Pennsylvania’s historic stone structures, with three stone buildings seamlessly connected by modern glass links. Natural light floods every space, highlighting the warmth of the stone and the sleekness of the glass. Thoughtful design strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and contemporary elegance, making the home both inviting and visually stunning, while remaining functional. Overall, a beautiful dream house for this home’s inhabitants.
Tell Us: What details in the design of this home do you find most inspiring? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Check out a couple of other incredible home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Pennsylvania: A 1931 Pennsylvania farmhouse gets a stunning renovation for empty nesters and A historic stone house gets a beautiful update in the Pennsylvania countryside.
Above: Illuminated poured concrete wall showcasing the steel and stone staircase designed by Bill Curran Design.
Above: The home’s kitchen and family room feature a polished brass and rustic wood ceiling, creating a balanced and enduring style. The pendant light over the dining table is by Allied Maker.
Above: The kitchen features an earthy, rustic wood ceiling paired with a soothing palette of cool bronze and stone. The hardwood floors were sourced from Burchette & Burchette. Summus Studio is responsible for the custom cabinets, hood surround, ceiling millwork, shop paint, patinated brass, and oak timbers. The stone countertops are from Stone-Tech Fabrication.
Above: In the powder room, the custom metal vanity is by Bill Curran Design. The floor tiles were sourced from Devon Tile & Design Studio.
PHOTOGRAPHER Jeffrey Totaro
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